Dark Divide Trail Races
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Dark Divide Trail Races, September 4 - 6, 2026
The Dark Divide Trail Races are a group of trail events based at Cispus Learning Center near Randle, Washington, in the Gifford-Pinchot National Forest. The courses run through the Dark Divide Roadless Area, a vast 70,000+ acre region of remote ridges, valleys, streams, and sub-alpine scenery. The event offers multiple distances:
- 100 Miler
- 100K
- 50K
- 15 Miler
Cispus Learning Center serves as race headquarters and start/finish. Facilities at Cispus include bunkhouses, showers, a kitchen, and parking. There is nearby car, tent, and RV camping.
The Dark Divide 100 Miler is a qualifier for the Hardrock 100. It has formal qualification standards: entrants must submit published, verifiable race results that meet one of several distance and elevation criteria, or supply GPX files and a letter to verify suitable wilderness experience. Pacers are permitted for the 100 Miler beginning at Wright Meadow Aid Station (Mile 51.6) and may be swapped at Summit Prairie (Mile 71.4) and Juniper Ridge (Mile 93.7); pacers must check in, sign a waiver, wear a pacer bib, remain with their runner, and follow course rules.
There is a volunteer service requirement for the 100 Miler and 100K: eight hours of documented service in trail, habitat, or inclusion-focused activities must be completed and reported by check-in. For the 100K, no formal shuttle service is provided and participants are responsible for transportation logistics. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.